Your Cart
Cómo quitar el respaldo de tu sillón reclinable
Recliner Guide
How To Remove The Back Of Your Recliner
A step-by-step guide to detaching and reattaching your recliner's back for easier moving, transport, and storage
Watch how to remove the back of your recliner in under three minutes
Moving day is fast approaching! You might be in the process of packing all your dishes into protective packaging and figuring out how to carry all your stuff to your new home.
You need your stuff to be safe, and you also need it to be as compact as possible to make the most efficient use of your moving supplies and services.
If you are looking for ways to make your furniture a bit more compact, one place that you may not know to look is at the back of your recliner. "How can I make my recliner more compact during a move?" you might be thinking.
Furniture Fair is here to help you find the answer to whether you can remove your recliner's back. In business for over 60 years, Furniture Fair has years of experience selling and assembling reclining furniture, and we want to share that knowledge with you.
Read on to find out whether or not you can take the back of your recliner off and how to remove the back without damaging the recliner. After reading this article, you will know how to make transporting a recliner less annoying.
Quick Answer
To remove the back of a recliner, open the rear flap to access the locking levers, pull both levers to release the back, and then lift it straight up. This makes the recliner easier to move or store.
At a Glance
Difficulty Easy
Time Required 5 to 10 minutes
Tools Needed Flathead screwdriver (only if levers are stiff)
Works on Power Recliners Yes
Best For Moving, tight doorways, storage, transport
1
Check For Removable Back
Look for velcro flaps or a detachable panel at the bottom rear of your recliner.
2
Find The Levers
Locate the locking levers or buttons on both sides between the back and seat.
3
Remove The Back
Pull both levers and lift the back straight up to slide it free from the base.
4
Reattach The Back
Align the brackets, slide the back down until it clicks, and the levers lock automatically.
How Can I Find Out If My Recliner Has A Removable Back?
Quick Answer
Most recliners have removable backs secured with Velcro or hidden latches. Check the bottom rear of your recliner, if you see a Velcro flap or detachable panel, the back can likely be removed. If it's fully stitched, it isn't removable.
The back upholstery section of your recliner may have a removable portion which is usually attached using some form of velcro or another removable adhesive. If the rear cover flap of your recliner can be opened, that means you can remove the back of your recliner.
Spin your recliner around or tilt it over for easier access. Check the corners near the bottom. If the recliner has stitching between the back and bottom sections, it is attached and cannot be removed. However, if the bottom of the back section features velcro flaps or another removable feature, you should be able to remove the back of the recliner easily.
Once you've determined that you can remove the back of your recliner, take the velcro adhesive and remove the back flap of the recliner for easier access. After that, you can move on to step two, which is...
How To Find The Attachment Levers Or Buttons On Either Side Of The Recliner Back
Quick Answer
Locate the locking levers or buttons between the recliner's back and seat. Pull or press both to unlock the back from the base. If the levers are stiff, use a flathead screwdriver to gently loosen them before lifting the back free.
Now that you can see the back of the recliner, check each side of the recliner between the recliner back and the recliner seat for a matching set of buttons or levers. You should be able to feel the levers between the two sections.
These lever handles control the locking mechanism that keeps your recliner back locked during regular operation. Once you can feel the levers, pull them until you feel the back of the recliner release. This should free the back of the recliner from being removed for more accessible storage.
Pro Tip
The levers on the back of your recliner may be hard to move if you have had your recliner for a while. There's no need to pinch any fingers trying to pry the levers. Simply grab a flathead screwdriver and use it to gently loosen the lever, give the back a wiggle, and that side will be free.
How To Remove The Back Of Your Recliner
Quick Answer
After releasing both levers, lift the back of the recliner straight up. Avoid pulling one side first, free both sides evenly to prevent bending the brackets or damaging the locking mechanism.
Once you have pulled the two levers on either side of the recliner, the removal process is simple. Pull up on the back of the recliner, and the recliner back should easily slide out and then be placed wherever is convenient for you.
Warning
Do not lift up on the back fully until both sides are free. If you free one side and lift it off, it can make it very hard to loosen the other side, or you could end up twisting the bracket that is still attached.
If you are moving your recliner, most recliner backs can rest on top of the seat cushion for a much smaller profile that is easier to transport in a move. You can also transport them in two sections if you are trying to fit a recliner through a doorway or a narrow hallway.
When fitting into tight spaces while moving houses or preparing for a move, watch out for your walls and corners. A recliner chair can damage your living room, hall corridors, or door trimming if not handled carefully.
How To Reattach Your Recliner Back
Quick Answer
To reattach the back of your recliner, align the metal brackets on both sides with the guides, then slide the back down until it clicks. The locking levers will automatically secure the back in place for normal use.
Now that you know how to remove the back of your recliner, you will be able to transport it through tight spaces or store it more compactly during a move. However, reattaching that back is also essential to keeping your recliner functioning. Here is how to reattach your recliner back.
Simply take the recliner back and line up the two metal bars on either side with the cushion side facing forward. Once the bars are lined up, simply slide the back of the recliner down until you hear it click into place. Once in place, the recliner back will automatically lock, and your recliner is ready to use again.
Quick Answer
Removing the back of your recliner is a straightforward process: check for velcro flaps, pull the locking levers on both sides, and lift the back straight up. Reattaching is just as simple: align the brackets and slide the back down until it clicks into place.
Don't Let A Large Recliner Get In Your Way
Big moves can be stressful. Dealing with moving furniture should be as stress-free as possible, so you should know how to remove the back of your recliner. Remember, removable backs have velcro adhesives that can give you easy access to the back.
Don't forget that there are two levers or sometimes buttons between each side of the recliner back, and pulling each one will release the back of the recliner, which can then be easily removed for storage or transportation.
Keep in mind that once you remove the back of the recliner, you can easily reattach the back by sliding it into place until it clicks and locks. Those tight doorways and cramped staircases should be hassle-free with removable back recliners.
Consider visiting a Furniture Fair showroom near you if you are looking for a recliner with a removable back for more accessible transport in Cincinnati, Dayton, Northern Kentucky, Louisville, and Indianapolis.
Furniture Fair has been in business for over 60 years. The company sells both manual recliner and power recliner options with many recliner features such as LED cupholders, and console storage.
Once you've settled into your new space, our free interior design services can help you arrange your furniture just right. And to keep your recliner looking its best for years to come, consider a furniture protection plan for added peace of mind.
Visit a location near you to learn more about the reclining options available to you, or schedule an appointment online with one of our highly trained sales experts. Your perfect recliner could be closer than you think.
Visit any of our 12 Furniture Fair locations across Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana
Schedule An Appointment